Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Family

Lamiaceae, or mint family

Common Names

Holy Basil, Tulsi

Harvest

In Ayurvedic medicine, the whole plant can be used: leaves, flowers, seeds, & roots. The flowers and leaves are most commonly used medicinally, but even the woody stalks are used to make beads for jewelry and meditation malas, or rosaries.

Growing Conditions

USDA Growing Zone(s): Tulsi grows best as a perennial in zones 10-11, but it can be grown as an annual in cooler zones.

Tulsi loves hot, sunny weather with well-draining soil and can grow quite large in these conditions.

Varieties:

'Vana': Easiest to grow variety along with Temperate Tulsi.
'Temperate': Easiest to grow Tulsi. Add to Vana and Amrita for a flavorful tulsi blend!
'Amrita': Annual. Very fragrant but more challenging to grow. Worth the effort!
'Rama': Most challenging Tulsi. Tropical. Grow indoors or in a greenhouse.

Tulsi

(Photo source)

Tulsi Vana plants growing at Kindred Herbs

Medicinal Uses

Tulsi is considered an adaptogenic tonic herb and has traditionally been used to help the mind and body better cope with stress.

Tulsi has historically been used to help soothe the nervous system, stimulate the immune system, warm the body, induce sweating, and help as a warming digestive aid.

Stories & Traditions

Across India, Tulsi can commonly be found outside of Hindu homes as a sacred altar space, worshipped as a physical manifestation of the Goddess Tulsi.

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Family

Lamiaceae, or mint family

​

Common Names

Holy Basil, Tulsi

​

Harvest

In Ayurvedic medicine, the whole plant can be used: leaves, flowers, seeds, & roots. The flowers and leaves are most commonly used medicinally, but even the woody stalks are used to make beads for jewelry and meditation malas, or rosaries.

​

Growing Conditions

USDA Growing Zone(s): Tulsi grows best as a perennial in zones 10-11, but it can be grown as an annual in cooler zones.

​

Tulsi loves hot, sunny weather with well-draining soil and can grow quite large in these conditions.

​

Varieties:

'Vana': Easiest to grow variety along with Temperate Tulsi.

'Temperate': Easiest to grow Tulsi. Add to Vana and Amrita for a flavorful tulsi blend!

'Amrita': Annual. Very fragrant but more challenging to grow. Worth the effort!

'Rama': Most challenging Tulsi. Tropical. Grow indoors or in a greenhouse.

​

Tulsi

Medicinal Uses

Tulsi is considered an adaptogenic tonic herb and has traditionally been used to help the mind and body better cope with stress.

​

Tulsi has historically been used to help soothe the nervous system, stimulate the immune system, warm the body, induce sweating, and help as a warming digestive aid.

​

Stories & Traditions

Across India, Tulsi can commonly be found outside of Hindu homes as a sacred altar space, worshipped as a physical manifestation of the Goddess Tulsi.

​

​

​This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine.

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine.